Work and Health
Research projects within the Academic Collaborative Center Work and Health aim to promote sustainable employability and labor participation. These projects aim to achieve knowledge sharing, knowledge generation, and implementation.
Within the research themes, issues are considered from different perspectives from employers, employees, healthcare professionals, and patients. Research projects also involve relevant stakeholders. The Capability approach is central to most research projects. According to this approach, the value people place on work is crucial.
The current research projects of the Academic Collaborative Center Labor and Health fall under the following research themes:
stigma regarding mental health problems in the workplace and sustainable reintegration;
promoting labor force participation (e.g. with mental health problems, cancer, traumatic injury, dyslexia, giftedness, or for people with work disabilities);
engagement, mental health, and sustainable employability of healthcare professionals;
recovery and aftercare in picking up life and returning to work after illness or accident.
Grants received
In 2022, several project proposals linked to the topic of Gewogen Maatwerk (Weighted Customization) have been honored by ZonMW! This means a huge boost for the way of thinking behind the concept of Weighted Customization and a milestone in the evidence-based development of the Work and Income domain. A great step to continue building on support and results.
From the WeCare program, the research Collaborating on Job Satisfaction in Hospital has been awarded, led by Dr. Margot Joosen in collaboration with the ETZ (Dr. Annemarie de Vos). This project examines how interprofessional collaboration in the hospital can contribute to the job satisfaction of healthcare professionals. A very relevant and topical subject given the growing shortages and attrition of healthcare professionals.
Knowledge Exchange 2022
Several studies have been presented from the Collaborative Center at various external meetings and symposia. Among others at the ETZ Wetenschapsdag, Bedrijfsgeneeskundige dagen, Arbeidsdeskundige Professionaliseringsdag, Value Based Health Care summer course of the ErasmusMC, and the conference on giftedness and working with the police. But also, internationally at the European Conference of Personality in Madrid, International Orthopedic Trauma Association (IOTA) conference, and the SPR (Society for Psychotherapy Research) congress in Denver.
Endowed Chairs
Two endowed chairs are held within the Collaborative Center. Prof. Evelien Brouwers' chair titled Mental Health and Sustainable Employability in Labor is established by NSPOH, Ascender, Transvorm, and HumanTotalCare. Prof. Roland Blonk's chair Labor Expertise and Inclusive Innovation in Labor has been established by the Labor Expert Knowledge Center (AKC). This chair has been extended until January 1, 2026.
The faces of AWAG
From left to right: Prof. Ruud Muffels, Doris van der Smissen MSc, Dr. Marjolein Lugtenberg, Prof. Jac van der Klink, Anouk Brekhof, Prof. Sait Gürbüz, Rebecca Bogaers MSc, Jurre van der Mast, Dr. Margot Joosen, Manon Enting MSc, Barbara Donders, Dr. Kim Janssens, Iris van Beukering MSc, Prof. Evelien Brouwers
Not pictured: Prof. Roland Blonk, drs. Patricia van Casteren, Suzanne van Hees MSc, Dr. Mariska de Jongh, Marianne Palmen MSc, Sanne van Santen MSc, Moniek Vossenaar MSc
More AWAG:
Tranzo Pearl | Stigma on mental vulnerability
Breaking the taboo and stigma on mental vulnerability would help improve sustainable employability.
Read more
